2023 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS new car review

This Japanese brand has just launched a new fuel sipping family SUV that will save you big at the bowser. Full details here.

Electric cars are coming but now is the time for hybrids, according to Honda.

The Japanese giant has launched a new version of its popular CR-V mid-size SUV and a petrol-electric version is part of the line-up.

CR-V buyers are spoiled for choice. There are four model grades and they can opt for two or all-wheel drive, five or seven seats and petrol or hybrid power.

Honda has launched its new CR-V family SUV that now comes with hybrid power

Prices start at $44,500 drive-away for the VTi X that uses a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine to deliver 140kW and 240Nm to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. A seven-seat version costs another $2300. The standard VTi L starts at $48,800 for the front-drive version and $51,300 for all-wheel-drive. A seven-seat version starts at $53,000.

The $57,000 all-wheel drive VTi LX is only available with five seats.

The hybrid version combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to make 135kW and 335Nm.

It costs $59,900 for the five-seat only e:HEV RS. A second electric motor is used as part of the regenerative braking feature to send power back to the battery.

Hybrid propulsion is only available on the most expensive model.

The CR-V is a handsome SUV and it’s longer and wider than before, with more distance between the front and rear wheels.

Broad shoulders, a bold front grille and just the right amount of panel creases give it a sporty edge. Sharp looking LED lights front and back and alloy wheels ranging from 17- to 19-inches add a bit of wow factor.

Step inside and you are greeted with a beautifully crafted interior with top-shelf materials adorning all surfaces. VTi X versions have cloth seats and all others have leather-appointed upholstery. The hybrid model adds red contrast stitching.

The Honda CR-V’s quality is top notch.

All grades have an electronically adjustable driver’s seat, but front-seat passengers in the VTi X have to manually adjust their seats and miss out on a heating function, too.

The CR-V is a smartly packaged car with impressive attention to detail and family-friendly features throughout. The rear doors open a full 90 degrees for easier access, while the sliding second row and one- touch access to the third row will appeal to families. A generously sized boot (in five-seat layout) will swallow most things families throw at it. The boot’s low lip also makes it easier to load bulky items.

Teh cabin has a smart and practical layout with lots of family friendly features.

There’s decent room in the second row for adults but the third row is best kept for kids and smaller teens.

The CR-Vs infotainment and climate functions are easy to operate on the go, with physical dials in the centre console and well placed steering-wheel controls.

The cabin does a good job of insulating passengers from road noise and vibrations. Noise- cancelling speakers send out sound waves to mask outside noises.

Honda’s capped price servicing program is the cheapest in town.

The nine-inch central touch screen is smaller than most rivals, while a digital driver display is only available on the two most expensive models and doesn’t look as flash as rivals. There are lots of USB ports and a wireless device charging pad.

Safety gear includes 11 airbags and a host of driver aids. Disappointingly, though, the five-seat VTi X misses out on blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.

The five-year capped price servicing program is excellent value at just $995 over five years, although the service intervals are shorter than most at 12 months/10,000km.

The CR-V is one of the most well rounded SUVs on sale.

Honda throws in five years of free roadside assistance and a subscription to its Honda Connect service, which allows users to activate certain vehicle functions remotely via a smartphone app. The app can lock and unlock the car, start the aircon and pull up trip logs.

We drove the petrol versions in front and all-wheel drive layouts but spent most time in the two-wheel drive hybrid, which proved to be the pick of the litter.

The electric motor and non-turbo petrol engine work seamlessly to deliver ample thrust off the mark.

The hybrid is a muscular and comfortable SUV to drive.

The hybrid is quiet and refined on the highway and country roads and is agile enough to feel at home in the hustle and bustle of the city commute.

It has sharp reflexes by SUV standards and excellent balance through corners.

The suspension does a good job of ironing out road imperfections, but wobbles a little over bigger bumps.

Hybrid examples drink just 5.5L/100km and we experienced close to that on a circa 200km test loop.

Petrol versions drink between 7.1-7.7L/100km depending on model grade, with the heavier all-wheel drive variants using more fuel.

VERDICT 4/5

The new CR-V is a family SUV at the top of its game, especially with hybrid power. It is unfortunate petrol-electric power isn’t available on cheaper variants.

HONDA CR-V e:HEV RS

PRICE: $59,900 drive-away

ENGINE: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and two electric motors, 135kW and 335Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Fve years/unlimited km, $995 for five years

SAFETY: 11 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, driver distraction alert and rear-seat occupant alert

THIRST: 5.5L/100km

SPARE: Tyre repair kit

LUGGAGE: 581 litres